By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When the COVID-19 pandemic was first announced by the WHO in 2020, among the first corporate victims were those businesses that relied on in-person attendance. Among the hardest hit of all sectors were theme parks and other forms of experiential entertainment; in short, anything that relied on people travelling or showing up to a location … [Read more...] about Interview: Innovation & Licensing Drive Growth for Falcon’s Beyond
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MGM Creates AI-Driven Software to Locate and License Film Clips
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is launching the MGM Clip Locator, an AI-driven platform that will enable marketers and filmmakers to easily source and license clips. MGM is an entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. MGM's film library includes over 4,000 titles that … [Read more...] about MGM Creates AI-Driven Software to Locate and License Film Clips
Special Report: Do Low User Numbers Mean the Metaverse is a Flop?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief According to headlines in some top news and tech sites, October was a rough month for the metaverse. In fact, if the dire projections from multiple media outlets were to play out as advertised, it’s fair to say the metaverse is a complete flop, and licensing companies should cut ties as fast as possible. A story in the Wall Street … [Read more...] about Special Report: Do Low User Numbers Mean the Metaverse is a Flop?
Epic Games Forms Partnership to Release Epic Skateboards
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Sakar International and Epic Games have formed a licensing partnership for a line of skateboards and helmets based on Fortnite. The licensing agreement between Sakar and Epic Games was brokered by the licensing division of the global entertainment company, IMG. Fortnite is an online video game that features three different game modes … [Read more...] about Epic Games Forms Partnership to Release Epic Skateboards
Paul Newman Will Work With Your Brand … For Free!
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief You too can use superstar Paul Newman to promote your brand ... but there's a catch. Newman's Own is celebrating its 40th anniversary by giving away Paul Newman's name and likeness, but brands must agree to follow Paul’s lead and give away 100% of the profits from the limited-edition products to help children in need. The move is intended … [Read more...] about Paul Newman Will Work With Your Brand … For Free!
Sustainable Licensing: SpongeBob Fighting Pollution With Operation Sea Change
If you want to clean up the ocean, who better for the job than a sea sponge? By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Paramount and Nickelodeon have launched an ocean conservation initiative called SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change. Paramount Consumer Products will work with licensing partners to launch SpongeBob branded products that feature sustainable practices … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: SpongeBob Fighting Pollution With Operation Sea Change
Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Warner Music is investigating allegations that one of its subsidiaries continued to operate in Russia after the company suspended its operations. Those allegations were made in an exclusive investigative report by The Guardian newspaper. According to the report, at least one executive at the Warner subsidiary ADA Russia "... continued to try … [Read more...] about Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New trademark filings by Kanye West may help reveal the music star's long-term goals, particularly after he terminated his licensing relationship with Gap Inc. According to a report from the entertainment gossip show TMZ, the rapper's company Mascotte Holdings has filed trademarks for a variety of apparel items, including jackets, hats, … [Read more...] about Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy
Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has abruptly ended his relationship with Gap Inc., accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations. West's lawyers sent a letter to Gap on Thursday notifying it of a termination of the partnership. West alleges Gap breached its agreement with West (also known as Ye) by not selling the Yeezy … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
Special Report: What the Taiwan Crisis Means For Licensing
Licensing Faces an Existential Threat As Tensions Grow Between China and the West By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Main Takeaways COVID-19 pandemic and Russian Invasion of Ukraine have revealed fragility of global trade arrangements China’s aggression toward Taiwan—a US ally—is creating insecurity for companies relying on Chinese manufacturing Licensing … [Read more...] about Special Report: What the Taiwan Crisis Means For Licensing